The physical and emotional demands of caring for a family member or friend with a serious illness can be exhausting and even lead to burnout. It's important to maintain your own health and well-being so you can provide the best possible care.

Here are tips for handling some of the common challenges for caregivers:

• Take time for yourself and your own needs. If you are not well you won’t be able to care give. Watch for signs of stress, such as impatience, loss of appetite or difficulty with sleep, concentration or memory. Pay attention to changes in your mood, a loss of interest in usual activities or an inability to accomplish usual tasks.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of water every day.

• Exercise by taking short walks daily or another form of exercise 3 x week.

• Listen to guided relaxation recordings or relaxing music Calm - The #1 App for Meditation and Sleep

• Schedule short rest periods between activities. Make it a priority to get a good night's sleep.

• Set limits for what you can do. Delegate, ask more from the public system.

• Don't overload your daily to-do list. Be realistic.

• Find an hour several times a week for activities that you find meaningful and enjoyable that doesn’t include the person you are caring for or talking about them.

• Let family members and friends help with household chores, meal preparation, childcare and shopping.

• Keep the lines of communication open among your loved one, you, your family and friends, and the health care team.

• Share your feelings with family members or other caregivers, or join a support group. Family Caregivers of British Columbia | Support and Resources for You (familycaregiversbc.ca)

• Give yourself credit: The care you give does make a difference!

Chipperfield Mobile Physiotherapy provides In-Home Clinical Counselling for caregivers in Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, West Vancouver, Surrey & Langley.

Call our office at 604-828-2610 to book your FREE consult, or click the button below!